Here's what MBPL wrote with more paragraphs for those that want to attempt it again.
MPBL wrote:
All right, now, be warned, there is just a bit of rambling babble coming ahead. I recently found this website and unlike other forums that I have looked at you people seem a bit more vocal and less neurotic about what you say.
First, I don`t think there is anything wrong with a man liking Steve Perry`s voice. I am a fair-weather Journey fan, although, I saw a Journey concert back in the 80’s even took pictures, but I was not obsessed with them. Did not buy albums or t-shirts, I was a Jackson Five kind of gal. Matter of fact, it wasn’t until recently that I even knew all the Journey men’s names.
I am going through personal pain, who isn’t these days, so I listened to Journey, their music is healing to me, and for a moment I felt better. When I needed Journey and Steve Perry after not having heard them in years they were there for me. I am also a bit of an artist, so while I listened to Journey I wrote my feelings down.
In between writing I looked up Journey and Steve Perry online, did a bit of research, but unfortunately what I found on their part was bitterness, resentment, countless articles and hate-fuelled mentions especially about Perry, how sad. I had no idea those men ended on such a sour note. I was annoyed after watching the VH1 Behind the Music special on Journey back in 2001 now that I think about it. Of course the video was edited, nonetheless it made me sad and resentful that Journey ended so poorly and left their fans to deal with it.
I was especially upset that Perry dropped off the face of the earth leaving his fans hanging while his ex-comrades continued on, “the hell with him,” was my motto. Then I realized Journey weren`t just artists they are human beings. So, I came up with my own way to help cope with the loss of the five men whose music I enjoy.
First I wrote a book about Journey and the elusive Perry. Then I made You Tube videos to go along with it. Silliness, but whatever. Then I thought about a couple of things regarding Journey and Steve Perry that helped me not personalize their breakup. Keep in mind, writing one`s feelings and thoughts is not interpreted the same as what you read on paper or computer screen. Try not to over-analyzed what you see before you. Here we go..
1. A marriage of equals can lead to emotional bankruptcy; I said this somewhere else online. And all the men involved with Journey were equally talented, ambitious and believed in themselves. While I hate that these like-minded artists may resent each other, or whatever the hell is wrong with them, I accept that they parted; after all I was not involved in their “marriage” I was just a fan who listened to their great music. I am sure one day before they are too old or dead they will be friends again, if they aren’t already.
2. If Perry retired, good for him. He had his fun and left a great voice to listen for years to come. Why he walked away does not matter, there is no point in wondering why if he does not want people to know why. If Perry is trying to make a comeback, fine, perhaps he will be good enough to tell the world. Right now, I see Perry as an older man living life like anyone else. Don`t need to see him, don`t care to get his autograph or photo because his vibe and how he lives his life is exactly what he gives off, private. So, I leave him to his privacy.
3. I believe Neal Schon never approached the level of success he wanted, meaning, he is not quite a one-name wonder like Clapton; Santana and Escovedo. I think therein lies a bit of resentment on his part towards Perry which might have to do with some of the bitterness if he is in fact resentful. Can happen, artists are human. Besides, everyone knows the lead singer tends to get the attention and feelings can get hurt. I was so mesmerized by Mike Jackson`s talents it took me years to notice his brothers were on stage with him!
4. Perry is coy about his comeback, silly, I hate being dangled on a thread, but maybe he is coy because he is and always will be an artist and artists can be tormented. The good news is artists will forever create because they have to, it is an emotional necessity as far as I am concerned. Then again, maybe Perry left a legacy that he probably feels he cannot live up to as he is getting older. He is probably a perfectionist who seeks perfection where there isn’t any.
I expect Perry wants to come back, but does not feel he may appease his fans. Just my thoughts. But, Perry CAN sing, he is talented and he is an artist, that much we all know. And if Perry does return to singing, and he should hurry as we none of us are getting any younger, great I will purchase his cd.
You all still there? Well, I guess everyone has an opinion, that is what these forums are for. Thanks for listening to my babbling mess. For whatever reason( s) Journey no longer exists in the five men I once knew, Cain; Schon; Smith; Perry and Valory, I am happy to have cds, dvds and YOUTUBE. I LOVE that Houston DVD.
I know there are people out there who appreciate the quality of Journey and Perry’s music as much as I do and who are convicted and emotional enough to speak online from time to time. Nothing wrong with that. Back in the day when I was into Journey no one I knew appreciated them, I felt like such an outsider.
Now, wow, I had I had no idea there were so many fans! And, since Perry has not sung in so long I was amazed he had fans or forums! I can write a hundred books and do a thousand foolish videos trying to jokingly “heal” him and his ex-comrades, but it is only a bit of fun on my part, nothing more. I am a fan, albeit fair-weather, but those five men are helping me heal and that is all that matters to me right now. (my mom is dying, nothing new to most of us, I am sure).
BTW – I won’t be able to offer my Journey/Steve Perry book to the public because I have taken certain liberties with fan blogs and excerpts that I have not cleared. But, if you are in need of a wicked foolish tickle, and good-hearted, smart-ass humor you can hear excerpts on my You Tube channel.
Actually, I did send drafts to a Bay Area fan club per a friend’s advice, but did not want to because those people are not agents or managers for Journey and Perry, they did not need to be made privy. But, I sent it anyway with handmade gifts and a cover letter and suffice it to say I never got a “thanks, or “what the hell...” No stress on my part.
But, I am getting positive YOUTUBE feedback from fans which is very kind. So check if you would like. Until then, all the best, you people have good taste in music. MBPL (Mocha Bus Pass Lady – also my You Tube channel name)
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